Nothing makes your house feel like a cozy autumn Midwest cottage like mulled apple cider. Making it fills the home with the most wonderful aromas. Sipping it on a brisk day in a sweater on your porch or deck with friends and family is the perfect way to spend a crisp fall afternoon.
- Bring 2 cups of water to a steady simmer in a sauce pan.
- If using a muslin bag*, fill it with 3 Tbsp. of mulling spices.
- Place bag of spices in water for approx. 30 minutes.(This step blooms your spices allowing for greater flavor transfer when later added to cider.)
- Bring gallon of apple cider to a simmer in a large pot.
- Remove spices from water and add to cider.
- Stir occasionally for about 30 mins. Taste frequently for desired level of spice (longer for more spice flavor). Do not leave spices in cider for extended period as the cloves will eventually make the cider bitter and astringent.)
- Pour into a mug with a ladle. Garnish with 1-2 cinnamon sticks and/or a slice of orange.
